Legal Battle Breaks Out as Satirical Show Studio Confronts Legal Action Over Paddington Bear Portrayal

Among millions who cherish Paddington Bear, Michael Bond's marmalade-loving character epitomizes the very essence of British courtesy and restraint – making this recent depiction as a substance-using, potty-mouthed podcast host particularly challenging.

However, the satirical overhaul of Paddington by the creators behind Spitting Image has turned out to be excessive for the production company and rights holders that control the intellectual property.

Legal Proceedings Initiated Against Production Company

The film producers, behind the successful Paddington movies, are partnering with Bond's estate to sue British production company Avalon, which produced Paddington's drastic reinterpretation.

A high court complaint, initially covered by industry publications, cites intellectual property and creative ownership concerns. The court filing doesn't detail the particulars of the claim, but it follows Paddington's appearance in the most recent Spitting Image YouTube program, titled The Rest Is Bulls*!t.

This production features segments about tech billionaires, former presidents and Keir Starmer. It also satirizes ubiquitous podcasts where hosts talk about achieving success.

Controversial Portrayal Details

The show is hosted by a characteristic Spitting Image-style puppet of Prince Harry and a unkempt Paddington. In the premiere, Paddington starts by proclaiming he doesn't really talk like Ben Whishaw, the award-winning actor who portrays the character in recent movie versions.

He then changes to a stereotypical South American accent before shouting: "I am from Peru, motherfuckers – I am Paddington Bear from Peru! You most likely remember me from the films Paddington, Paddington 2 and Paddington in Peru. I also had a major part in the Netflix series Narcos, as Pablo Escobear. It is a joke. Laugh, muchachos."

At the conclusion of the episode, a disorderly Paddington is shown snorting a white powder before seemingly losing consciousness.

Background Information of Satirical Show

The court action come several weeks after Avalon launched The Rest Is Bulls*!t, a jab at the successful stable of podcasts produced by multiple media companies.

The show's debut on YouTube in July signaled a new chapter for Spitting Image, which has a long tradition of upsetting its subjects – usually politicians, rather than treasured children's characters.

• Initial run was one of the most-watched programmes in the 1980s
• Cancelled only in 1996 after ratings declined
• Revived in 2020 for digital platform BritBox
• Continued for two series before being discontinued once more

Digital Transformation

Its new incarnation on YouTube has been adapted for the service. Shows are between 10 and 15 minutes, designed to attract viewers who browse recommended content.

In the premiere episode, viewed more than 500,000 times, Paddington and Harry speak with Musk, and Paddington encourages the rightwing billionaire to go to Mars. "You are excessively genius for one planet," he says. "As I say about my cocaine, it is only right to share."

He subsequently says the secret to his personal glow is "100% Peruvian, biodynamic, organic, catastrophic cocaine."

The pair also announce an advert for guns. Paddington says: "Go to Bogotá and ask for Matthias. Tell him Paddington sent you."

The bear starts another segment by commenting: "And that's why I said 'no' to Harry Potter. Paddington Bear gets out his wand for no one."

Official Responses

The film company refused to comment. A representative for Michael Bond's estate said they were unable to speak as the issue was the focus of court action.

Avalon has been reached out to for comment.